What you need to do to get a Bismarck driver's license

To get a driver's license in Bismarck, you will visit the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) driver's license office, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay the state fee. Bismarck residents use the same process as anyone else in North Dakota — there is no separate "Bismarck license." The main NDDOT office in Bismarck is located at 608 East Boulevard, and it is the busiest location in the state, so expect wait times during peak hours.

You must be at least 14 years old to get a learner's permit, 16 to get a Class D (regular car) license, and 18 to get a commercial license. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian's signature on your process. The entire process — from your first visit to your final license in hand — typically takes several weeks because you must wait between passing the written test and taking the driving test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of North Dakota residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it to your first appointment at the Bismarck NDDOT office.
  • The written test covers North Dakota traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free online manual at the NDDOT website before you go.
  • After you pass the written test, you must wait at least one business day before you can schedule your driving test, and the wait for a driving test appointment can be two to four weeks depending on the season.
  • A Class D driver's license costs $80 and is valid for eight years; a learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for one year.
  • The Bismarck office does not accept walk-ins for driving tests, so you must call or book online to schedule your appointment.

Documents you must bring to the Bismarck NDDOT office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or military ID as proof of identity. A driver's license from another state counts as proof of identity if it is still valid. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents — the NDDOT website lists what combinations work, but calling the Bismarck office at (701) 328-2725 is faster than looking it up.

For proof of North Dakota residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name. A bank statement or insurance policy also works. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved to Bismarck, a signed lease is usually the easiest option.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have your card, bring a document that shows it — a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement all work. If you cannot provide your number or a document showing it, you can request a non-driver ID instead, though this does not let you drive.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions about North Dakota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask the staff when you arrive if you need an interpreter or a different language version.

You can study for free using the North Dakota Driver's Manual, available as a PDF on the NDDOT website. Many people also use the free online practice tests on the same site, which show you the kinds of questions you will see. Studying for one or two hours is usually enough if you already know how to drive; if you are a new driver, spending more time on the manual will help you pass on your first try.

You take the test on a computer at the Bismarck office. The staff will show you how to use it. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day, though you may have to wait in line again and pay another test fee of $10. Most people pass on their first or second attempt.

Scheduling and taking your driving test

After you pass the written test, you must wait at least one business day before you can take the driving test. You cannot schedule the driving test on the same day you pass the written test. Call the Bismarck office at (701) 328-2725 or book online through the NDDOT website to schedule your appointment.

Wait times for driving test appointments vary by season. In spring and summer, the wait is often three to four weeks. In fall and winter, it may be two to three weeks. If you need a test sooner, call the office and ask if there are any cancellations; people cancel regularly, and the office keeps a waiting list for same-week appointments.

For your driving test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be tested in. The vehicle must be registered in North Dakota, have working brakes and lights, and be in safe condition. The examiner will check these things before the test starts. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and includes driving on city streets and possibly a highway or rural road.

Fees and how long your license lasts

A Class D driver's license costs $80 and is valid for eight years. A learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for one year. If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions — for example, you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. without a licensed adult in the car. These restrictions lift when you turn 18.

The Bismarck NDDOT office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you pay by check, it must be a personal check with your name and address printed on it. The office does not accept third-party checks.

If you lose your license or it is damaged, you can get a replacement at the Bismarck office for $10. Replacements are usually ready the same day if you arrive before 3 p.m.

Renewing your Bismarck license before it expires

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. The easiest way is to renew by mail: the NDDOT will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, and you can mail it back with a check or money order. Renewal by mail costs $80 and takes about two weeks.

You can also renew in person at the Bismarck office. Bring your current license, proof of residency if your address has changed, and payment. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you get your new license the same day. If your vision has changed or you need to update your address, renewing in person is faster than renewing by mail.

If your license has expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must start over with a new written test and driving test. This is why it is important to renew before your expiration date.

What to do if you fail the driving test

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong — for example, failing to check your mirrors, speeding, or not stopping completely at a stop sign. You do not have to wait a certain amount of time to retake the test; you can schedule another appointment as soon as one is available, which is usually within one to two weeks.

Each driving test costs $10. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass within two or three attempts. If you keep failing, consider taking a few lessons with a professional driving instructor; they can spot habits you might not notice on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Bismarck driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can request a non-driver ID instead, which proves your identity but does not let you drive. If you are a non-citizen with a valid visa or work permit, you may be able to get a driver's license without a Social Security number — call the Bismarck office to ask what documents you need to bring.

What if I move out of Bismarck after I get my license?

Your North Dakota license is valid anywhere in the United States. You do not need to get a new one if you move to another state, though most states require you to get a local license within 30 to 60 days of moving. Check the DMV website of your new state to find out their rules.

Do I have to take the written test again if I already have a license from another state?

No. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a North Dakota license without taking the written test. You still need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You do not need to take a driving test either.

How do I know if the Bismarck office is open on a holiday?

The Bismarck NDDOT office is closed on federal holidays and some state holidays. Call (701) 328-2725 or check the NDDOT website before you go. The website lists all closures for the year.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The written test is available in Spanish, Somali, and several other languages. Tell the staff when you arrive which language you need, and they will set you up on a computer with that version of the test.